SAN DIEGO ---- Hey, Antonio Cromartie, why the long face? "He got beat in practice, and it's hard for him to get beat,'' teammate Marlon McCree said. "He is so fast, so big, so strong that when he gets beat he takes it personally. That is a good thing, but as a corner you have to have a short memory.''

Those with keen memories recall the flak the Chargers received when they drafted Cromartie 19th overall in April. The Florida State cornerback started one game in college and was as raw as he is athletic.

So six games into his rookie season, what's the review?

"I think he is going to be great this year,'' McCree said, "and years to come.''

Although stiff-armed by Drayton Florence in his bid for a starting job, Cromartie hasn't disappointed. He plays in the nickel and dime packages, holding down a corner spot opposite Quentin Jammer. Cromartie has yet to give up a deep ball.

Cromartie crowed earlier about earning first-string status in his maiden season. While that's a possibility in the future, the present shows a challenge on Sunday with the Rams' high-flying receivers landing at Qualcomm Stadium.

That means plenty of three-receiver groupings, which will have Cromartie on the field plenty.

One doesn't need to be a NFL Rhodes Scholar to predict quarterback Marc Bulger and veteran wide outs Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce will try to kick sand in Cromartie's face.

If so, it will be among the few times a team has targeted him.

"I haven't really been tested that much as a rookie,'' Cromartie said. "So when my time comes, I want to be ready.''

In the preparation category, Cromartie might be the rookie of the year. That assessment comes from McCree, the starting free safety who crams for each game like an "A" pupil aiming for the dean's list.

When it's running with someone or covering them, he has been impressive. Our whole secondary has been better this year. Marlon McCree has been very effective, but I also think practicing against our crafty WRs like McCardell & Parker have helped them alot as well. :yes:

He gave up two big plays on the game winning drive during the baltimore game (including the game winning TD)

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Merriman should have ended that game by tackling Heap instead of trying for the knockout...which he missed...
Also, what was Merriman doing in coverage during that last drive? Shouldn't your best pass rushers be rushing the passer with the game on the line? :icon_huh: McNair had all f'ing day to throw on that drive

Merriman should have ended that game by tackling Heap instead of trying for the knockout...which he missed...
Also, what was Merriman doing in coverage during that last drive? Shouldn't your best pass rushers be rushing the passer with the game on the line? :icon_huh: McNair had all f'ing day to throw on that drive

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Merriman may have been trying to knock the ball free but you're correct, he should've simply tackled Heap.

As for the coaching in that game, it was messed up all around from Marty on down!